Fig Bethlehem Winter 2020 - The Greater Good Guide

THE GIFT OF

THE G R E A T E R GOOD Organizations that make it their mission to support our community in immeasurable ways.

T

he spirit of the holiday season spurs us toward

generosity. We give gifts. We gather together (if only virtually) to share the bounty of our holiday tables.

And in our community, we band together to support those in need.

There is a rich tapestry of hard-working nonprofit organizations in Bethlehem and the Lehigh Valley who need our support now more than ever. The following pages offer many ways to expand your holiday tradition of giving. Explore the diverse list of inspiring local nonprofits that bring creativity, vitality, dignity, and care to our community all year long. Then act: volunteer, donate, give. ‘Tis the season, after all.

HISPANIC CENTER L E H I G H VA L L E Y Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley empowers low-income individuals living in South Bethlehem and throughout Northampton County. Its mission is to improve the quality of lives of families (Hispanic and non-Hispanic) through empowerment. At HCLV, they believe in a community that embraces economic opportunity for all and sees its cultural diversity as a foundation for building a stronger society and a more vibrant economy—and that at the heart of change is the individual’s desire and willingness to pursue a path toward their own independence and self-sufficiency. Due to COVID-19, HCLV shifted its operations to fully-remote services to provide continuous, and uninterrupted services across the Food Pantry, WIC, CEP, Senior Center, and more. Please support their efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic by making a donation on their website.

Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley is grateful to Wind Creek Bethlehem for their sponsorship of this page.

Empowering families since 1968

D O N AT E H E R E

M I S S I O N To improve the quality

of lives of families (Hispanic and non-Hispanic) by empowering them to become more self-sufficient, while promoting an intercultural understanding in the Lehigh Valley.

G E T I N V O LV E D If you would like to support HCLV in assisting and improving the quality of life of the individuals they serve, please consider volunteering or making a donation.

GIVING GUIDE

Photo by Nikki Carrara

Mark Fitzgerald Wilson Executive Director, Zoellner Arts Center Photo by Postmodern Jukebox IG

ZOELLNER ARTS CENTER Over 25 years ago, Lehigh University had a vision: to create a vibrant arts environment for both students and artists to develop and learn. To educate, captivate, and inspire performers and audiences by presenting a variety of stunning performing arts events, exhibits, and educational programs, and to create new works. In 1997, this vision manifested in Zoellner Arts Center—home to the Lehigh University Music Department, the Department of Theatre, the Art Galleries, and the Guest Artist Series—a place for creativity and innovation; for exploring all corners of artistic disciplines; and for

opening up minds to new ideas and new ways of seeing the world.

Bringing a wealth of rich experience (including a background in music education), Zoellner’s new Executive Director Mark Fitzgerald Wilson has already begun to revise their arts education model with an expanded focus on “whole child” education. This amplified priority enables the center to deliver even more dynamic and meaningful arts enrichment, cultural programming, socialemotional learning programs, and artistin-residencies addressing diverse issues specifically tied to a school’s curriculum.

420 East Packer Avenue | 610.758.2787 | zoellnerartscenter.org

M I S S I O N The mission

of Zoellner Arts Center is to infuse arts into the life of the Lehigh University campus and the greater Lehigh Valley community by presenting high-quality multi-disciplinary programs, by building life-long patrons of the arts, and by integrating our educational resources to enhance our human experience.

G E T I N V O LV E D Check out their website to contribute to the #artshaveimpact campaign!

Email inzactix@lehigh.edu to find out how you can help support arts with impact.

D O N AT E H E R E

T H E BACH CHOI R OF BETHLEHEM D O N AT E H E R E

The Bach Choir’s virtual Christmas Concert offers joy, comfort, and connections— “gather” online and enjoy!

Popular carols, arias from Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, exquisite soloists, Bel Canto Youth Chorus and inspiring words, all offered to open our hearts to the warmth of the season.

HELP THEM SHARE THE MUSIC

Support the concert by donating online!

Gifts of any amount are gratefully received.

Your donations help spread the light of Bethlehem across the country— even across the world!

PREMIERE:

Sunday, December 13 at 4pm on YouTube

F R E E R E G I S T R AT I O N

Register online at bach.org/event/Christmas.

The concert is recorded following COVID-19 protocol for safety and social distance.

440 Heckewelder Place 610.866.4382 | bach.org/event/Christmas

LEHIGH UNIVERSITY ART GALLERIES D O N AT E H E R E

MISSION

To advance critical thinking, cultural understanding, and well-being for campus and community through transformative experiences with art.

G E T I N V O LV E D

Help LUAG provide dynamic exhibitions and programs, educational initiatives, and the care of great works of art for future generations. You can make a donation to the Lehigh University Art Galleries on their website.

For more information on volunteer opportunities and other ways to get involved, email luag@lehigh.edu.

Lehigh University Art Galleries (LUAG) was founded in 1926 as the centralized fine art collection of Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. With over 16,000 works of art from diverse time periods and cultures, seven galleries on three campuses, two art study centers, and an outdoor sculpture collection of over 50 works, there is something for everyone at LUAG. 420 East Packer Avenue 610.758.3615 | luag.org

GIVING GUIDE

U N I T E D WAY OF T H E GR E AT E R L E H I G H VA L L E Y

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all of us, and many of our children and families are still in crisis. Today, more than 40% of households in our community are facing serious financial instability and food insecurity. For more than 100 years, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley has served our community in times of extraordinary need. Together with partners, they are responding by helping families put food on the table and keep roofs over their heads while working to create the lasting changes we need to build a stronger, more resilient community.

United, we can rebuild and recover.

1110 American Parkway Northeast Suite F-120, Allentown | 610.758.8010 | unitedwayglv.org

MISSION

Together, we’re building a strong community—where our kids thrive, our seniors are healthy, and everyone has access to nutritious food and emergency services.

G E T I N V O LV E D Every gift counts—no matter how small. Learn how you can create lasting change at unitedwayglv.org/donate.

D O N AT E H E R E

D O N AT E H E R E Basement Poetry

ICEHOUSE TONIGHT Set in the unique, rustic space that is the historic Charles A. Brown Ice House on the banks of Bethlehem’s Lehigh River, the IceHouse Tonight performing arts series presents a steady stream of diverse performances and events for every season. Now in its ninth year, the series was established to serve and share the arts of the local culture. With programming focused on the work of the resident arts community—think of your favorite artists and performers right here in the Lehigh Valley—the series shines a light on our local values, issues, and heritage. Since the pandemic, the venue has created a virtual-only series, Live from IceHouse Tonight, so that we can safely take in the local arts from the comfort and safety of our own homes. The show must go on, in person or otherwise—with a heartfelt dedication and a hyper-local focus, IceHouse Tonight believes that this city is our stage, our canvas, our place to make.

Live from IceHouse Tonight

The Witherbees

MISSION

Developed as a model sustainable arts venue, IceHouse Tonight is a cultural initiative designed to serve and share the arts of the local culture. It is a vehicle for creative place-making, focusing on works created by local and regional artists.

G E T I N V O LV E D

56 River Street, Bethlehem

icehousetonight.org

@icehousetonight

IceHouse Tonight is presented by the Eastern PA Arts Alliance.

GIVING GUIDE

SOUTHSIDE ARTS DISTRICT The SouthSide Arts District wants to become the Lehigh Valley’s mecca for public art. Each year they work tirelessly to create opportunities for local artists to transform the streetscape of South Bethlehem into their canvas. Through grants, events, and fundraising they are able to pay artists for their work, as well as all the extra costs that go along with installing public art. Over the last three years the SouthSide Arts District has completed public art projects including artist-designed flower pots and bike racks, murals, the Greenway ArtsWalk, and a public piano. And now they’ve tied them all together to create a guided tour throughout the downtown called the Urban Arts Trail! Visitors can follow the 2.75-mile path using a phone app that highlights artist information and details about each public art piece seen throughout the SouthSide.

324 South New Street | 610.419.9180 | southsideartsdistrict.com

MISSION

SouthSide Arts District is working hard to ensure continued creativity and cultural expression through art.

By understanding the value of a vibrant public realm, we can encourage conversation, community, and the SouthSide’s character.

G E T I N V O LV E D

The SouthSide Arts District is an initiative of the nonprofit organization the Bethlehem Economic Development Corporation established in 2015.

Donate or volunteer today to help keep their public art efforts alive and well in the SouthSide!

SouthSide Ar ts District is grateful to Wind Creek Bethlehem for their generous sponsorship of this page.

D O N AT E H E R E

D O N AT E H E R E

Dr. Michael A. Descant, Veterinarian

LEHIGH COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY The Lehigh County Humane Society provides needed animal welfare services to our community, bringing true equality and kindness to the forefront of what they do every day as human beings. A managed-admission facility, they do not turn animals away based on their age, breed, and perceived adoptability. They provide food, medical care, foster homes, adoption services, lost pet services, and cruelty investigations. LCHS’s new innovative Community Vet Clinic program empowers local pet owners by providing essential veterinary care for the pets they love at an accessible, affordable cost— and is the only program of its kind in the Lehigh Valley.

640 Dixon Street, Allentown | 610.797.1205 lehighcountyhumanesociety.org

M I S S I O N To provide a safe haven for ALL animals in the

Lehigh Valley. To be the leading advocate for breeds such as pit bulls that often are left behind or ignored by other shelters.

To provide affordable state of the art medical care for all animals, to offer additional financial assistance to pet owners who are in need, to prevent animals from becoming ill in the first place, and to keep animals in the loving homes where they belong.

G E T I N V O LV E D Contact Deirdre at deirdre@lehighhumane. org to schedule a safe shelter tour and to learn more about their upcoming expansion in 2021. Check out their most-needed items online at lehighcountyhumanesociety.org/collection-drives, and visit their website to learn about fostering, adoption, and more!

LCHS is an independent 501(c)3 organization and relies primarily on private donations, please donate today to help them continue to care for the animals and the people of our community.

GIVING GUIDE

D O N AT E H E R E

WILDLANDS C O N S E R VA N C Y

Give the Gift of Animal Care this season!

Wildlands Conservancy employs some really wild ambassadors: their education animals!

Feathered, furry, and not—they educate thousands of community members, of all ages, about the value of nature right here in the Lehigh Valley. From insects to avian species, caring for their Animal Ambassadors costs about $70,000 annually. This holiday season, you can help keep their animals healthy and educate the next generation of environmental stewards when you Give the Gift of Animal Care. Gift packages start at only $50 with adoption options available and complementary at-home nature kits included. All of Wildlands’ creatures, great and small, wish you a happy holiday season!

M I S S I O N To protect and restore critical

natural areas and waterways, and educate the community to create a legacy of a healthy, sustainable, environment for future generations.

G E T I N V O LV E D Donate, volunteer, give gifts-in-kind, follow them on Facebook and Instagram, or visit one of their 14 nature preserves!

LAST CHANCE R ANCH

wildlandspa.org | 610.965.4397

D O N AT E H E R E

Last Chance Ranch is a non-profit, no kill animal rescue located in Quakertown.

Rescuing ALL types of animals (from hamsters to horses!), they focus on finding forever homes for more than 1,000 animals each year.

9 Beck Road, Quakertown 215.538.2510 lastchanceranch.org

M I S S I O N LCR is dedicated to promoting the

humane treatment of equines, farm animals, and other domestic companion animals including dogs and cats. LCR provides a safe and secure refuge for abused, unwanted, or neglected animals.

G E T I N V O LV E D

Volunteer, visit or donate! Volunteers are always welcome. Learn more by attending their orientation at 10 am on the first Saturday of every month.

A LLE N TOW N RESCUE MISSION Founded in 1900, the Allentown Rescue Mission is the largest homeless shelter for men in the Lehigh Valley. The Allentown Rescue Mission helps homeless men 18 years and older reintegrate back into society with its three distinct programs (Emergency Shelter, Transformation Program, and Clean Team Re-employment Program). The programs identify the individual needs of the guests and give them the confidence and tools needed to succeed.

The men receive one-on-one coaching, faith-based education, life skills classes, and paid transitional employment. By the time the men leave the Allentown Rescue Mission, they’ve typically saved enough money for an apartment, secured permanent employment, and have been restored as productive members of the community. The Allentown Rescue Mission stayed open during the 1918 pandemic and has been open every day during this pandemic; providing a safe environment for the men who call it home.

Clean Team Employees

D O N AT E H E R E

355 Hamilton Street, Allentown | 610.740.5500 allentownrescuemission.org

MISSION

To rescue, rehabilitate, and restore homeless men through faith-centered programs based on accountability and compassion.

G E T I N V O LV E D

The Allentown Rescue Mission is almost exclusively nongovernment funded, relying on the support of individuals like you. To make a monetary or in-kind donation, or to learn more about volunteer opportunities, visit their website.

Allentown Rescue Mission Staff

Program Men

GIVING GUIDE

Y WC A BETHLEHEM Bethlehem

YWCA Bethlehem’s TechGYRLS program is changing the face of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) by providing positive female role models, creating supportive learning environments, and fostering academic success for diverse girls in our local community. YWCA Bethlehem’s TechGYRLS participants explore robotics, computer coding, science and engineering, and learn that women can, and do, thrive in STEM fields that have historically been dominated by men. With your help, YWCA Bethlehem will continue to encourage curious, creative girls to become independent, inquisitive women who will change the face, and the future, of STEM. 3895 Adler Place, Building A, Suite 180 610.867.4669 | ywcabethlehem.org

MISSION

YWCA Bethlehem is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

G E T I N V O LV E D

Are you a STEM professional? Do you know an awesome STEM woman? We welcome in-person and virtual volunteers to share their STEM story and introduce girls to exciting STEM career possibilities. Email programdirector@ ywcabethlehem.org to learn more. You can help change the face of STEM today. Your donation will empower girls right here in the Lehigh Valley. Visit ywcabethlehem.org/involve/donate.

D O N AT E H E R E

E A S T E R N PA T R A N S EQUITY PROJECT Think about when you have to show your ID… buying alcohol, airport security, cashing a check, applying for an apartment, and even getting hired for a job.

It’s all pretty routine—unless you are transgender and your ID doesn’t match your gender presentation.

D O N AT E H E R E

M I S S I O N With a mission of empowering transgender residents of the greater Lehigh Valley, Eastern PA Trans Equity Project provides supportive services, mentoring, educational programming, and financial micro-grants that help transgender people to thrive and succeed.

G E T I N V O LV E D

To learn more about the transgender experience, to volunteer, or to donate, please visit their website or call 484.602.5918.

D O N AT E H E R E

Unfortunately, changing your name and ID is expensive, complicated and—sometimes—dangerous.

Our name change services help transgender folk with financial assistance and advisory services that let them successfully navigate the legal system so they can overcome a key hurdle to living the lives they deserve.

484.602.5918 | PATransEquity.org

CENTER FOR VISION LOSS Your support could put hope in sight for clients like Annette.

The Center for Vision Loss provides purpose-driven care for individuals with vision loss and visual impairments that includes medical care, food access, assistive technology training, and emotional support therapies that ultimately allow them to triumph over their visual impairments to lead more independent lives.

Despite the challenges put forth by the pandemic, they have continued to innovate and pivot programming to make it accessible and engaging for clients to connect from the safety of their homes.

From grocery deliveries to virtual life skills education and support groups, they are committed to helping community residents with low vision seize their independence through the pandemic and beyond.

M I S S I O N The Center for Vision Loss promotes healthy eyesight

and empowers people with visual impairments to seize their independence.

Serving community residents in the Lehigh, Northampton, and Monroe Counties.

G E T I N V O LV E D Help support vision health and community

members by making your gift today to help the Center for Vision Loss continue to expand their services and make an even greater impact.

Center for Vision Loss is deeply grateful to Fox Optical in Bethlehem for their generous sponsorship of this page.

845 West Wyoming Street, Allentown | 610.433.6018 | centerforvisionloss.org

GIVING GUIDE

SHE SHE, an acronym for “She Has Everything,” is an after-school education program designed to encourage girls to see the many possibilities ahead of them by developing life skills that promote selfesteem, personal well-being, healthy relationships, resilience, teamwork, leadership, and interest in academic success. The program currently serves 4th to 7th grade girls in the Bethlehem Area School District at Broughal Middle School, Donegan Elementary, Fountain Hill Elementary, and Lincoln Elementary and will be expanding into Allentown School District. SHE is a program of Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley.

1337 East 5th Street 610.691.5620 | caclv.org

MISSION

To create an educational and inspirational environment in which girls build self-esteem, are empowered to change the dynamics in their personal relationships and the greater community, and seize control of their futures, ensuring healthy, fulfilling, and self-sufficient lives.

G E T I N V O LV E D

Volunteer to mentor students, join a committee, purchase school supplies from their wish list, or donate! For more information, email volunteer@caclv.org or text SHE to 610.557.8191

Donate here!

GE N E R AT ION N E X T Generation Next is a college readiness program that was designed to correct disparities in education.

The program helps underserved high school students achieve college admission, integrate into college life, and complete a post-secondary program. Students are eligible for Generation Next if they meet two of the three requirements: they will be a first-generation college student, they are a person of color, or they are eligible for free/reduced lunch. The program currently serves students in the Bethlehem and Easton Area School Districts and will be expanding to Allentown. Generation Next is a program of Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley.

1337 East 5th Street | caclv.org | 610.691.5620

MISSION

Generation Next is a strategy designed to help level the field and ensure that underserved students have increased access to opportunities to further their education.

G E T I N V O LV E D

Volunteer to mentor students, join a committee, or contribute to our scholarship fund! For more information, email volunteer@caclv.org or text GENNEXT to 610.557.8191

Donate here!

GIVING GUIDE

D O N AT E H E R E

N AT I O N A L M U S E U M O F I N D U S T R I A L H I S T O RY Housed in the former Electric Repair Shop of the Bethlehem Steel plant site on the vibrant SteelStacks arts & culture campus, the National Museum of Industrial History interprets industry past, present, and future through dynamic exhibits, handson interactives, and engaging programs. Visitors of all ages can enjoy the stories of the people, machines, and ideas that transformed our nation through a rich collection of rare artifacts including the esteemed 1876 Smithsonian Industrial collection.

MISSION

The mission of the National Museum of Industrial History, in affiliation with the Smithsonian Institution, is to forge a connection between America’s industrial past and the innovations of today by educating the public and inspiring the visionaries of tomorrow.

G E T I N V O LV E D

facebook.com/nmihorg

Twitter: @nmihorg

IG: @nmihorg

The Follies cast hits the ice at Bethlehem Steel Ice Center for a special BNSN (Better Not Shout Network) hockey segment with holiday penguins.

Touchstone Theatre’s high-spirited, homegrown sendup of the Christmas season in the Christmas City goes online for 2020!

F O R T H E L A S T 2 0 Y E A R S Christmas City Follies has been

singing, dancing, laughing, and cartwheeling its way into the hearts of its audiences. Now, in 2020, the holiday tradition goes online!

This streamed video edition of Follies will premiere on December 20th via YouTube and be available to watch—as many times as you want—in the comfort of your home through January 2nd. Tickets can be purchased at touchstone.org or by calling 610.867.1689.

For more information and to purchase your tickets, visit touchstone.org or call the Touchstone Box Office at 610.867.1689.

Actors heading to a downtown Bethlehem location to shoot a 1940’s era scene called “The Squid Who Came For Christmas.”

Get involved!

Rooted in the community since 1981, Touchstone provides original theatre, community-building projects, and arts education programs to Bethlehem and the Greater Lehigh Valley. Interested in shaping a better community through art? Donate, volunteer, get involved! Learn more at touchstone.org.

D O N AT E H E R E

GIVING GUIDE

SOCIAL MISSION:

T H E M O N O C AC Y FA R M P R O J E C T At Fig, we believe in the power of a community that works together to identify needs and find solutions—one that creates connections and is passionate about helping its neighbors.

Each year, Fig partners with a nonprofit organization working to transform the community.

Our 2020 Social Mission Partner is Monocacy Farm Project. Please join us in supporting them.

D O N AT E H E R E

Monocacy Farm Project Sustainability | Stewardship | Education

B Y U S I N G L A N D and resources at Monocacy Manor, Bethlehem in the Franciscan tradition, the Monocacy Farm Project (MFP) models stewardship and care of the earth, engages and educates the community, and—perhaps most importantly—strives to alleviate hunger.

From April through October each year, the MFP plants and harvests organically-grown produce that feeds the needy through community partnerships with food pantries, shelters, and soup kitchens.

Community gardeners, youth groups, retreatants, church and school groups, organizations, and individuals also find fulfillment in these fields by taking part in sustainable gardening, educational programs, and other projects that give back to underserved communities.

M I S S I O N Feeding the Hungry…Caring for the Earth…Growing Healthy Community G E T I N V O LV E D The Monocacy Farm Project relies on help from volunteers year-round—from seasonal Garden and Festival Volunteers to Clerical and Grantwriting Volunteers. Want to get involved? Email Info-MFP@monocacyfarmproject.org.

Donate online or by check payable to the Monocacy Farm Project.

395 Bridle Path Road | 610.867.8494 | monocacyfarmproject.org

GIVING BACK Making a difference in the lives of others.

Giving Back: Winston Alozie FOR WINSTON ALOZIE , CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Bethlehem, it’s all about the kids.

He knows from experience: he was a kid, 13 and new to Bethlehem from Shreveport, Louisiana in 2001.

The Club was a place not only to make friends (“and eat snacks, food my parents didn’t want us to eat”), but for necessities–like heat–through the hard cultural and socioeconomic shift.

“The Club has a storied tradition of being here for the most vulnerable children and families,” he says. And the work is about letting those kids and families know “their presence here matters. And is appreciated.”

Winston first worked for the club in 2003 as a summer camp junior staffer at Yosko Park. He returned every summer after that, graduating from Freedom High School and Edinboro University with a BA in developmental psychology. He joined the Club in 2012

as program director, then unit director, for the now-closed South Side location, and was also program director at a BGCB program at Broughal Middle School, before assuming his current role of CEO in 2019. He never thought he’d hold the position he holds now, but is passionate about the work of giving back. “I try to empower kids in ways that I didn’t feel empowered,” he says, grateful for how the staff of the Club once championed him as a young person. “Great futures come out of our programs.”

The Bethlehem Club was organized 90 years ago by prominent Bethlehemites on the eve of the Great Depression; supporting the community during another time of great uncertainty is exactly what it was built for. “I want to live on and grow their legacies,” says Winston. “I want us to be able to provide for the kids that we serve, the kids of color, poor kids, kids who

are just kids who need somewhere to be: a place where they can be part of something, and help build up their lives.”

The Club opened its doors this June and serves many families of essential workers who are not as celebrated– the grocery store clerks, gas station attendants, in-home caregivers. At a time of remote and hybrid learning, the Club has programs where children can gather safely, with technology access and tutoring. This year hasn’t been easy for anyone, but “I’ve seen the good in humanity,” says Winston, citing the dedicated financial donors, the local businesses donating food and supplies. “We can’t survive without people giving,” he says. “If you feel this work matters, you can be a part of making sure it still happens.”

To learn more about their programs, to volunteer, or to donate, visit bgcob.org.

LEARN MORE ABOUT FIG GIVING BACK AT FIGBETHLEHEM.COM